
people for decided reforms in the administration' of the government. But in
the hour of opportunity that came to them during the meeting in Shechem,
they failed to reason from cause to effect, and thus forever weakened their
influence over a large number of people. . . . The breach created by the
rash speech of Rehoboam'proved irreparable. Thenceforth the twelve tribes of
Israel were divided, the tribes of Judah and Benjamin composing the lower
or southern kingdom of Judah, under the rulership of Rehoboam; while the
ten northern tribes formed and maintained a separate government, known as
the kingdom of Israel, with Jeroboam as their
ruler."—Prophets and Kings,
pages 90, 91.
6.
How did Rehoboam attempt to regain the kingdom? What
word was sent him by the Lord? Verses 21-24.
NoTE.—Though at this time Rehoboam hearkened to the message of the
Lord, a later record says: "There was war between Rehoboam and Jeroboam
all their days." 1 Kings 14:30.
"The people whom God had chosen to stand as a light to the surrounding
nations, were turning from their Source of strength, and seeking to become
like the nations about them. As with Solomon, so with Rehoboam,—the influ-
ence of wrong example led many astray. And as with them, so to a greater
or less degree is it today with everyone who gives himself up to work evil,—
the influence of wrongdoing is not confined to the doer. No man liveth unto
himself. None perish alone in their iniquity. Every life is a light that bright-
ens and cheers the pathway of others, or a dark and desolating influence that
tends toward despair and ruin. We lead others either upward to happiness
and immortal life, or downward to sorrow and eternal death. And if by our
deeds we strengthen or force into activity the evil powers of those around us,
we share their
sin."—Prophets and Kings,
page 94.
Jeroboam Disrupts the Religious Unity
7.
What reasoning formed the basis of Jeroboam's introduction
of his idolatrous worship? 1 Kings 12:26-33.
NOTE.—This he did in defiance of the clear directions of the Lord through
the prophet Abijah. It was the Lord's purpose, by retaining the tribe of Judah
for the house of David, that the unity of religious worship of all Israel should
remain unimpaired. Its center was to continue "in Jerusalem, the city which
I have chosen Me to put My name there." 1 Kings 11:36. Though the seces-
sion of the ten tribes was from the Lord (chapter 12:5, 24), yet it was on
condition of no change in their religious allegiance. It was clear that the
spiritual hope of the whole nation was bound up with the house of David,
to whom the promises of the Redeemer had been given. Jeroboam's action,
growing out of political considerations, struck a fatal blow to this spiritual
unity of the people, from which it never fully recovered.
8.
How did the Lord show His displeasure at Jeroboam's action?
What happened to the king? How was he restored? 1 Kings 13:1-6.
NoTE.—"Now, if ever, would Jehovah vindicate His authority, prove His
word, and show before all the people,
that He, whose authority they had cast
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